Modi In Maldives For Independence Day, Bilateral Talks With Muizzu Underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. During the visit, Modi will attend the island nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and hold bilateral discussions with Maldivian leadership on key strategic, development and economic matters.

This is Modi’s third official visit to the Maldives as prime minister, and the first by any foreign head of government to be hosted by President Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023. The trip comes amid efforts to recalibrate ties between the two countries following a period of diplomatic tension. It also marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

Modi was received at Velana International Airport by President Muizzu and senior Maldivian officials. His welcome included a traditional cultural performance by schoolchildren. The prime minister arrived in Male after concluding a two-day visit to the United Kingdom, where India and the UK signed a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on key products including automobiles, textiles and alcoholic beverages.

Focus on Bilateral Dialogue and Development Projects

According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will include wide-ranging talks between the two governments. The discussions are expected to cover maritime security, trade and investment, climate resilience, and ongoing development cooperation.

India and the Maldives are expected to review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision Statement for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, first agreed upon during President Muizzu’s visit to New Delhi in October 2024. This includes cooperation in areas such as disaster response, maritime domain awareness, and connectivity initiatives in the Indian Ocean Region.

Modi and Muizzu are also expected to jointly inaugurate several India-backed infrastructure and community development projects during the visit. These include housing and sanitation schemes, clean energy installations, and capacity-building facilities. Discussions on possible lines of credit or financial support are also on the agenda, given the Maldives’ ongoing economic challenges.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has confirmed that both sides are exploring future agreements in trade, investment and technology. Talks on a potential Free Trade Agreement and a bilateral investment protection framework are underway, according to Indian and Maldivian officials.

Context of Strategic Rebalancing

The visit is taking place against the backdrop of what observers have described as a cautious diplomatic reset. During the early months of President Muizzu’s term, the administration had signalled a shift in its foreign policy orientation, including demands for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and a perceived pivot towards China.

While this led to some tension in bilateral ties, recent engagements, including Muizzu’s visit to India last year, have suggested a willingness to rebuild cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual concern such as maritime security, regional infrastructure and climate resilience.

India has maintained that its support to the Maldives aligns with its broader “Neighbourhood First” policy and its regional maritime strategy, Vision MAHASAGAR. Officials have emphasised that India remains committed to supporting the Maldives’ development priorities while also ensuring regional security and stability.

The prime minister is scheduled to attend the official Independence Day events in Male on Saturday, 26 July, before concluding his visit and returning to New Delhi.